Thailand tourist Information

Diving

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Scuba diving is Thailand’s most popular water sport and the country boosts some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world – the water is clear, sea life plentiful, transport and accommodation readily available and instruction to a very high standard. Diving in Thailand is comparatively cheap, and once you have achieved your certification in Thailand, you can use it to go scuba-diving all over the world.

Diving is available at all times of the year, although visibility changes according to the season. In the Andaman Sea, the best time to dive is from October to April, and in the Gulf of Thailand from May to September. At recommended dive sites in Thailand the water is so clear that the under-water world is visible from the surface: whale sharks, manta rays, marlin, flying fish, dolphins and coral reefs.

All reputable dive shops are affiliated with PADI or other international dive bodies, and most hold courses in multiple languages. All over Thailand, you can expect modern amenities, international standard boats and professional facilities.

For group or family travelers, all good live aboard operations will take non-divers along at a substantially reduced fee. Friends and family can relax, swim, sunbathe, snorkel and still enjoy the food, trip, scenery and experience of sailing in some of the world’s most beautiful waters

Canoeing & Kayaking

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Nature has blessed. Thailand with many natural treasures guarded in national parks that extend across the Kingdom. They are the habitat of a great profusion of wildlife, and plants ranging in size from tiny forest floor flowers to towering trees.
From the fertile Central Plains watered by the Chao Phraya River, the land rises to the northeastern plateau, then north to the forested mountains of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son. Along the southeastern coastline and the long southern peninsula, rain forests and coastal mangroves predominate. Below the central hills, wetlands extend to the Gulf of Thailand on the western side and the Andaman Sea to the east.
Deciduous trees shed their leaves during the six-month dry season in the North. On high hills there are pine and
maple forests; in the South, there are evergreens, freshwater swamps, rubber trees, fruit trees, palms of all kinds and tropical hardwoods.
Northern Thailand is characterised by forested hills and deep valleys that are an invitation to adventures: rafting along fast-flowing rivers, trekking along jungle paths, or discovering waterfalls cascading down cliff faces, like the Ti Lo Su falls in remote Umphang.
Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second city, was once the capital of the ancient Lanna kingdom. In the countryside around it there are elephant camps where you can see these much loved creatures at work and play, and hire one with a mahout to take you on a trek. There is much to see when trekking in the North, like the orchid farms and botanical gardens along the Mae Sa Valley, the towering splendour of Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain, the villages of the hill people and the
handicraft centres of Sankhamphaeng where village artisans work in silk, cotton, wood and silver.

Further North, Chiang Rai is the home of many ethnic hill people in distinctive costumes, and they are proud
to show visitors their age-old customs and traditions. Doi Tung is a mountain that has been transformed into a garden of flowers and fruit plantations.

Thailand’s national parks are usually accessible by road, and the most popular of these, Khao Yai, is just a three-hour drive from Bangkok. Khao Yai attracts a large number of visitors with its scenic beauty and abundant plant and animal life. It covers four vegetation zones: evergreen rainforest, semi-evergreen, mixed deciduous, and hill evergreen forest, at altitudes from 100 metres to 1,400 metres. Kaeng Krachan is Thailand’s largest park with 3,000 square kilometres of
evergreen and mixed deciduous forests.

It is recommended for its long-distance hiking trails, though few hikers and campers have ventured into the interior where the wildlife is most abundant. In the northeastern province of Loei by the border with Laos, Phu Kradung National Park is famous for its pine forests and mountain views. A nine-kilometre trail leads to the flat summit of a mountain where tents can
be rented for the night. Chaiyaphum’s Nam Nao National Park has dry forest, bamboo groves, and rolling sandstone hills, and it adjoins Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary.

In the South, Thale Ban National Park is nearly 200 square kilometres of rainforest along the Malaysian border. Hiking trails lead you through spectacular limestone formations and the forest abounds with birds, macaques, and gibbons. Khao Sok National Park in western Surat Thani is connected to the Khlong Saen Wildlife Sanctuary and together they form the largest tract of virgin forest in southern Thailand, with trails to scenic caves and waterfalls.

Travelling in green Thailand is an experience like no other, and the exciting diversity of the country’s natural heritage will guarantee a perfect adventure holiday

Koh Kuud in Trat

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Koh Kuud is the second-largest island in the Koh Chang National Marine Park (around 130 square kilomtres), furthest from the mainland, and certainly one of the nicest islands in the group. Koh Kuud offers some excellent views; coconut groves, rubber plantations, exquisite beaches, and it also has a number of beautiful waterfalls (3-tier Klong Jao of particular interest as is active all year round). Virtually all of Koh Kuud is unspoilt and what development there is has been well planned. The island has a number of excellent beaches on its west coast; Hap Tapho being probably the nicest, although Klong Yaikee beach, Tapo beach, Paol Bay, and Tadean Bay are also worthy of note. The waters around the island feature severl types of coral. 99% of the visitors who come to the island do so through an organised tour. As a result the island is not very well geared to receive independent travellers, although coming here alone is not impossible. The tours offer a number of options (three days / two nights, etc.) and usually include travel, food and accommodation. They usually involve trips to waterfalls and snorkelling trips as part of the package.

Koh Chang in Trat

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Koh Chang is the focal point of Koh Chang National Marine Park. Until recently Koh Chang and the park were well kept secrets, even from local Thais. They received very few visitors and as a result there was little development. This is quite remarkable given its close proximity to Bangkok – only 330 kilometres direct. Over the last couple of years though their have been plans to develop Koh Chang into an upscale resort and as a result there has been an increase in the amount of building that has taken place on the island.

Koh Chang is the largest of the 52 islands in Koh Chang National Marine Park and the second-largest island in Thailand. Most of the island is rainforest and it features a range of hills, the highest (Khao Jom Prasat) nearly 800 metres high. The result is a very dramatic landscape that acts as a backdrop for some excellent bays and beaches including Ao Klong, Hat Sai Khao and Ao Khlong Prao. The island is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including a good selection of birds, snakes, deer and a number of elephants. The island and its vicinity are great places for snorkelling and diving. The best time to dive here is between November and April and the south of the island offers the best visibility. For more advanced divers there is a Thai warship that was sunk by the French in 1941. A number of excellent diving centres offering courses and guides are available on the island. Kayaking and sail boarding are also available on the island.

The island is also a great place for hikes, and it is possible to walk from one side of the island to the other (although it’s not advisable without a guide). Elephant rides into the jungle are also popular. Elephants based at Ban Khlong Son Elephant Camp can be hired for 900 baht for one and a half hours. The more usual attractions like Buddhist temples are also available on the island.

Ao Tan Khu in Trat

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Ao Tan Khu is a bay with fine sandy beach popular with local people during holidays.

It is 4 kilometres. Off Highway No. 3156 (Ban Saen Tung-Laem Ngop).

Koh Ngai (Koh Hai) in Trang

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Located 13 kilometers south of Koh Lanta, Koh Ngai is one of the Koh Lanta group of islands that make up the Koh Lanta National Marine Park. A small, triangular island, less than 5 square kilometers in size, Koh Ngai (also known as Koh Hai) has a forested interior and offers white-sand beaches alongside clear water and good coral which encircles the entire island making it a perfect place for snorkeling. There is limited accommodation on the island, mostly clustered around the eastern coastline. There is a variety of types of accommodation available, and a range of prices to choose from, but with so few places to stay in, Koh Ngai is a very quiet and peaceful place – probably best to try to book somewhere in advance if possible to be on the safe side. Other islands in the area include Koh Chuek, Koh Waen, Koh Mah and Koh Muk, and you can arrange tours to these islands from the accommodation outlets on Koh Ngai.

How to get there: Although officially part of Krabi province, the easiest way to get to Koh Ngai is from Pak Meng Beach in Trang. Regular ferries run from Pak Meng and its also possible to rent boats to cater for groups.

Hat Chao Mai in Trang

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Hat Chao Mai
Trang

Hat Chao Mai is a central feature of Hat Chao Mai National Park in Katang District of Trang. The 5-kilometre-long beach offers white sand set against some thick forest, limestone hills and caves.

How to get there: The beach is accessible by minibus from Trang and the fare is around 50 Baht.

Koh Tao Island in Surat Thani

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Things have moved on since the days Koh Tao was a prison colony. Although at present it is not over developed and relatively quiet and peaceful, tourism has spurred a lot of development on the island, and the number of visitors going there is growing annually.

Located 45 kilometres north of Koh Phangnan, the waters around Koh Tao are blessed with excellent sea coral and good visibility. As a result there are plenty of diving schools operating on the island and it is one of Thailand’s key diving and snorkeling destinations. Some of the best diving/snorkeling sites include White Rock, Shark Island, and the Southwest Pinnacles. If water sport isn’t your thing, the island is blessed with long, undulating beaches to relax on; key beaches are Sairee Beach, Mae Haad, Chalok Ban Kao and Hin Wong Bay. For those not interested in sun and surf, the island’s interior is immensely thick jungle with the odd track the adventurous can explore.

Koh Tao offers a good range of accommodation; there are your 150 Baht a night huts for backpackers, as well as luxury accommodation with all the bells and whistles, and everything in between. Most accommodation available is found around the island’s key beach areas. Nightlife in on Koh Tao is excellent and less ‘steamy’ than some islands and tourist destinations. Things are more relaxed and less crowded, but there are plenty of places you can dance the night away to the sounds of topnotch DJ's. Like Koh Phangnan, Koh Tao has its beach parties.

Koh Tao is cool for shopping – there is a good range of shops selling everything from diving gear to souvenirs and jewelry, alongside plenty of ‘mom and pop’ stores and the occasional Seven Eleven where you can stock up on staples. The island is also great for restaurants. There has been a surge in the number of places where you can get great food on the island, and everything is available: Italian, Japanese, German, British… list goes on. Both restaurants and bars offer a fantastic range of local and imported drinks.

Koh Tao offers a complete package – one of the most enticing! Well worth a visit if time and situation permit.

Koh Samui in Surat Thani

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Koh Samui The 247-square-kilometre Samui island is Surat Thani's major tourist attraction. Located 258 nautical miles south of BangKohk, and some 84 kilometres east of the provincial capital, Koh Samui measures some 21 kilometres at its widest point, and 25 kilometres at its longest. A 51-kilometre ring and largely coastal road encircles the island, which has numerous lovely beaches and bays, and is almost literally an island of coconuts and forested hills.

Samui's best beaches line the northern and eastern coasts, the most popular being Hat Chaweng and Hat Lamai, where generally attractive accommodation can be found. Other beaches include Hat Choeng Mon, Hat Mae Nam in the north and Hat Na Thon, the island's major seafront settlement where shops, restaurants and tour agencies are concentrated. At the southern end of Lamai Bay are phallic rock formations called Hin Ta Hin Yai. A path connects the three waterfalls, called Namtok Hin Lat, Namtok Lat Wanon, and Namtok Na Muang, from west to south. The waterfalls are best visited during rainy season. Elephant riding is an interesting activity at the Na Muang waterfall. There are some Buddhist monuments and temples on the island: Phra Yai is a massive seated Buddha image at Fan isle; Phrathat Hin Ngu is a stupa containing the Buddha’s relics and Chedi Laem So, a golden stupa on the western coast; and Wat Khunaram houses the dead body of Luang Pho Daeng which does not decay.

Koh Phangan in Surat Thani

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The nearest island to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan has earned a level of infamy over the years. Home to the now world-famous ‘Full Moon Parties’ (FMP) and its various off-shoots (Black Moon Parties, Half Moon Parties, etc.), Koh Phangan gained a reputation as a hedonist’s paradise of loud techno-music, dancing and raving in general. However, over recent years Thai authorities have made an effort to curb this aspect of the island’s activities, and although they still exist, they are more organized and more sanitized than in their heyday. Most parties take place on Hat Rin Beach and the FMP is still probably the biggest beach party on the planet. Aside from beaches like Hat Rin, Koh Phangan is not especially developed, and there are a host of quiet, secluded spots for you to enjoy. It has become a favorite haunt for visitors to Samui who often come over to Phangan to get away from the masses for a while. There is still plenty of activity on the island though; snorkeling is very popular, as are diving trips to Koh Ma and tours of the Angthong National Marine Park. Phangan is also home to Than Sadet National Park, a great venue for hikes and treks and visits to caves. There also countless beautiful waterfalls on the island, Nam Thok Tha Sadet, Nam Tok Phaeng, Nam Tok Than Prapat and Nam Thok Than Prawet of particular interest. Koh Phangan has changed, probably for the better. It’s no longer synonymous with less salubrious activity – although that does play a part in the island’s character. It is just a great place to visit if you can. Some people combine their trip with a meditation retreat to Wat Kaw Tam – well it’s that sort of place! You can even get your Chakra balanced!

Details: There is some budget accommodation on Koh Phangan but none of the big hotels you might be familiar with on other islands. The best time to visit this island is December to March. People often rent motorcycles to get around the island. Note: Do not take drugs on Koh Phagan or anywhere else in Thailand – you could end up with a long time available to write up your memoirs!

How to get there: Boats to Koh Phagan leave Na Thon pier on Koh Samui daily and the cost is 50 Baht for the 50 minute trip (60 Baht back).

Hat Samila in Songkhla

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Located about 3 kilometres from Songkhla market (Thalat Supsin or Thalat Sot Thetsaban), Hat Samila is pleasantly free of crowds and a joy to amble along. The two islands off this part of the coast (Koh Nu - Mouse Island, Koh Maewo - Cat Island) are depicted in statues located at the north end of the beach. Alongside these statues is another, much revered statue depicting Mae Thorani (a Hindu goddess) as a mermaid. The statue is an iconic symbol of Songkhla (you’ll see it on the postcards) and has become a shrine to locals who believe it has the ability to bring them good fortune. The sea here is suitable for swimming, and boats can be hired by the pier for deep sea fishing. This beach is never going to compete with Thailand’s grander beaches, but for a more solitary experience and quiet contemplation, it can’t be beaten.

How to get there: Hat Yai-Songkhla buses pass Hat Samila and songtaews to the beach are available from within Songkhla town

Koh Samet in Rayong

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Koh Samet is one of Thailand’s nicest islands and has a unique place in Thai culture. It was here that Sunthorn Phu – Thailand’s greatest poetic – was inspired to create his masterpiece “Phra Aphaimani” – the story of a prince imprisoned in an undersea kingdom. Despite its place in literary history, Koh Samet is these days more famed for its beauty and location – near enough to Bangkok to be a popular destination for weekend trips and far enough away from the capital to offer foreign tourists a chance to get away from it all. Koh Samet is part of the Khao-Laem-Yah Koh Samet National Park and as result enjoyed the protection of the National Parks Division. Although developed, the island is not overdeveloped and retains its charm.

The whole of Koh Samet is typified by glorious white sand, making the beaches excellent places to spend some time. There are 14 white beaches on the Island and surrounded by colourful reefs. Western Samet consists of long bays and shallow, crystal clear water. A series of paths link the bays… stray south and you come across a number of smaller, more secluded bays.

Of course, Samet has its fair share of diving and other water sports; the island has numerous outlets for canoeing, sailing windsurfing, snorkelling and, although technically illegal on the island, jet skiing. Those with an ecological perspective should avoid jet skis which are slowly eroding Koh Samet’s coral.

With so many foreigners coming to the island, a healthy nightlife has emerged, and although this is not Pattaya, it has elements of Pattaya… bars, restaurants… the works really but in less intense amounts!

How to get there: Ban Phe is the main exit from the mainland to Koh Samet ., Boats leave Ban Phe regularly 06:00 to 17.00 with increased frequency at the weekends. Boats cost around 30 Baht. If you want some privacy, a charted boat with costs anything from 800-3,000 Baht per day.

Details: As with all National Parks, admission to Koh Samet comes with a 200 Baht entry fee – 100 Baht for the under 14s.

Koh Saket Petch in Rayong

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Koh Saket Petch is a small island off the coast of Rayong, approximately 15 minutes by boat from Bang Phe. Although accommodation is available on the island, it is limited. As a result, the waters around the island remain clear and the coral on the seabed impressive.

How to get there: Boats on a regular schedule are available from Hat Sai Thong beach near Bang Phe.

Koh Man Island Group of Islands in Rayong

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The Koh Man Island group comprises three islands: Koh Man Nai, Koh Man Klang and Koh Man Nok. These tiny islands remain pristine and have excellent coral reefs. Koh Man Nai (the smallest of the islands) has a single beach and is only 100 metres across. It is not possible to stay overnight on Koh Man Nai because camping is prohibited and there is no other accommodation available. This is likely because of the abundance of sea turtles around the island – through Her Majesty the Queen's conservation efforts to preserve sea turtles there are plans to turn Koh Man Nai into a turtle sanctuary. Koh Man Klang and Koh Man Nok both have excellent beaches. In addition, being quiet and sparsely populated (and by no means over visited!), the coral reefs around the islands are still in perfect condition. It is possible to rent snorkelling, sailing, and canoeing equipment from the islands’ few resorts.

How to get there: Koh Man Nai is opposite Kai Bae Beach and is accessible by private boat from Pak Nam Prasae (1,500 Baht) or Ao Ma Kam Porn (500 Baht).

Suan Son Park in Rayong

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As Ban Phe is a port and the main exit point from the mainland to Koh Samet, many people miss the area’s charms and attractions. For instance, another short taxi trip will take you to Suan Son ('Pine') Park, an area of extensive coastline and excellent white sandy beaches. It is a place locals favour for picnics because of its shady areas and great view of the beach. The stalls and restaurants around the beaches offer some excellent seafood dishes. If you find yourself in Ban Phe for any length of time and you are looking for something worthwhile to do, a visit to Suan Son Park would certainly be in order.

How to get there: Suan Son Park is accessible by taxi and songtaew. You can get there by bus, but given the short distance and the fact that most people will not be in the area for an extended period, a quick taxi journey is recommended.

Laem Mae Phim in Rayong

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Laem Mae Phim can be reach either from Sukhumvit Road taking a right turn at Km.259.5, 263 or 268, or continuing for a little over 1 kilometre from Wang Kaew on the beach road.

It is popular site for relaxation and swimming. Beach stalls serve food and snacks.

Hat Sai Kaew (Diamond Beach) in Rayong

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This beach is over a kilometre long and recognised as Koh Samet’s nicest. It is also the busiest! The beach is probably where the best nightlife happens on the island, with lots of restaurants playing videos, karaoke, bars… you know the sort of thing! If you want to stay around the beach there is plenty of accommodation available, albeit a bit on the steep side. Daytime is fun here, too! Plenty of water sport activity, water skiing, jet-skis… and divers and snorkelers trying to dodge the chaos! This beach attracts day trippers and those on short breaks; as a result, it is often a bit frenetic!

Hat Mae Ramphueng in Rayong

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Hat Mae Ramphueng is one of Rayong’s better known attractions, a huge expanse of beach stretching 12 kilometres along the coast with a real, live fishing village marking where the beach finishes. A number of swimming-related deaths are recorded each year, to some extent the cause remains a mystery. It is really not advisable to swim too far out into the sea, although swimming near the beach is perfectly safe.

How to get there: from Bang Phe Hat Mae Ramphueng is accessible by tuk-tuk, taxi and songtaew.

Hat Laem Charoen and Hat Sang Chan in Rayong

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Hat Laem Charoen and Hat Sang Chan are two excellent beaches that are in fact connected and in essence, one long beach. Hat Laem Charoen is only 5 kilometers from Rayong municipality and a seaside destination which is very popular with locals (who often come to sample to the seafood restaurants in the vicinity). Hat Saeng Chan is slightly further away from the municipality (7 kilometres). Both beaches are great for swimming as they have calm, clear waters. There are a number of accommodation options in the area, if required.

How to get there: Both Hat Laem Charoen and Hat Saeng Chan are accessible by tuk-tuk (20 Baht) and songtaew (10 Baht) from the city centre

Ao Kai-Laem Tan in Rayong

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Ao Kai-Laem Tan a little cape beyond Laem Mae Phim to Klaeng District is rather quiet.

Nearby is a small fisherman's village, in which the main occupation is to pickle jellyfish. Seafood restaurant here is well known among the tourists. Travelling to Ko Man Klang, can be done by taking a speedboat from here.

Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan

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Hua Hin Beach is the focal point of Hua Hin – Thailand’s first beach resort. Although it has a beautiful white sand beach and crystal clear water, Hua Hin is not as famous as resort towns like Pattaya and is still a bit off the beaten track as far as foreign tourists are concerned. As a result the beach is generally not so crowded, except at weekends when locals from Bangkok make the 190 kilometer journey to descend on the area. It is though increasingly the destination of choice for foreign visitors interested in water sports. The beach is about six kilometers long and features a particularly good sunrise, and nice sunsets. Dotted along the beach are some great restaurants where you can enjoy local seafood. The beach does though cater for a growing expatriate community and the area hosts an increasing number of foreign restaurants and bars.

Details: Between March and August the water doesn’t come up the beach as far as it does at other times in the year and there are a greater number of beach-based activities (such as horse riding) available. During the rainy season there are quite a few jelly fish and this can lead to a slightly stinging sensation while you are in the water. Avoid jelly fish at all costs! All year round water sports such as jet skiing are readily available.

How to get there: Hua Hin Beach is only a short distance from Hua Hin town centre and Songtaews are available for around 20 Baht to 30 Baht

Ao Mae Ramphung in Prachuap Khiri Khan

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Ao Mae Ramphung This is a scenic bay in Amphoe Bang Saphan.

Travel about 75 kms. south of Phrachuap Khiri Khan to Km. 399, turn left and continue for another 17 kilometres via Bang Saphan Market. Accommodation and seafood restaurants are available.

Koh Kaeo in Phuket

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Koh Kaeo is an offshore isle about 3 kilometres out from Rawai beach and can be reached in 30 minutes by boat.

It offers picturesque beaches and underwater scenery. There is also a replica of the Holy Footprint on the island.

Patong Beach in Phuket

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Patong Beach is simply where Phuket’s action is! It’s by far the most frequented destination on Phuket and has just about everything a tourist could desire – it is therefore Phuket’s most developed beach! Located 15 kilometres to the west of Phuket town, this 3-kilometer-long white sand beach is jam packed with hotels, restaurants, bars (go-go and other types), discos and shops sitting alongside dive shops, travel agents and the outlets that cater for the windsurfing, snorkeling, sailing and parasailing that goes on around the beach. Despite the often frenetic activity, the water remains reasonably clean and suitable for swimming – there are actually separate ‘lanes’ for swimmers and those involved in water sports… This is a good thing – I would hate to see the consequences if they weren’t separated! Patong is particularly famous for its nightlife, which some say might rival that of Pattaya. Given that, Patong may not be as family friendly as the other beaches in the area. It is though a good place to start your exploration of the surrounding areas and a variety of tours are available that include Kayaking in Phang Nga, half-day snorkeling trips to islands off Phuket, sightseeing tours around the rest of island, and fishing trips into the open sea. Patong is also a good place to arrange your ‘liveaboard’ diving trips (October to May).

How to get there: Songtaew regularly leave Phuket Town for Patong Beach (20 Baht) as do buses from Thawiwong Road (15 Baht).

Laem Sing in Phuket

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About one kilometre from Surin beach is Laem Sing which offers small but white sandy beach.

To the left of the beach is a scenic rocky cape